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Suspect in bank robbery arrested

A suspect has been apprehended in the armed robbery that occurred Monday afternoon, Aug. 3, at the Town & Country Credit Union, 925 14th Ave. E., West Fargo.

Matthew C. Becker, 18, was arrested by the Fargo Police Department on an unrelated felony warrant early Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4, while a passenger in a vehicle driving in north Fargo.

Through the follow-up investigation - a cooperative effort of the Fargo and West Fargo Police Departments - circumstances arose which led to the arrest of Becker for the armed robbery.

West Fargo Police Department Detective Joe Birrenkott would not release the amount of money taken in the robbery, but said a substantial amount has been recovered and a substantial amount is also still unaccounted for.

The weapon was also recovered, matching the description of the one used during the robbery, along with some of the clothing.

Birrenkott credits the quick arrest to the response of people in the community providing tips recognizing the jacket and certain mannerisms, once video clips of the suspect were released through the media. "This was a community effort and it makes me proud to live in a community where people get involved. In communities where people don't get involved is where crime runs rampant." He added that a Fargo police officer was among those helping identify Becker as the individual responsible for the robbery.

Police officials visited the Town & Credit Credit Union once Becker was apprehended to notify bank staff that they strongly believed they had the individual in custody who was responsible for the armed robbery. Birrenkott said staff members were "very relieved" to find out he was behind bars.

Becker is being held in the Cass County Jail where he is expected to be arraigned today (Wednesday) or tomorrow on the bank robbery charge.

At the time of his arrest, Becker was staying at a West Fargo residence.